Safe Influx Automated Well Control has been fundamentally designed to detect an influx and shut-in the well. Our patented technology enables continuous real-time monitoring of the well and manages an influx automatically, taking the information from the flowrate sensor from the rig. Once an influx is detected, the system precisely takes control of rig, performing a series of commands to stop the top drive, space out, shut down the pumps and shut-in the BOP.
Safe Influx is currently designed to work in the drilling phase of a well, however design work is underway to accommodate a number of additional modules.
“We have been working on future modules using the same technology to cover every aspect of well construction and decommissioning operations. We have now over 60 modules to enhance the drilling performance as the industry increasingly embraces the use of automation”, said Richard Rose, Development Director at Safe Influx.
In this article, we intend to cover Safe Connections and Safe Tripping, two high priority modules that will be added to the current drilling ahead module to result in a complete open-hole package.
Safe Connections
This module will detectand react to an influx that occurs whilst making a Connection. The system will monitor for well control events during each sub-phase of performing a Connection. The Driller will be performing the manually operated task of making the Connection and the system will liaise with the Driller through alarm and messaging on the HMI (Human Machine Interface). The Driller will be required to respond on the HMI to confirm, for example, that “Drillstring Pressure Integrity” is in place. Once there is positive indicator of an influx, and the Driller has confirmed that “Drillstring Pressure Integrity” is in place, Safe Influx will safely shut-in the well.
Safe Tripping
This module will detect and react to an influx whilst tripping. On a base sensor option, the system would be connected to a level sensor in the Trip Tank, and also calculate the volumetric displacement of the drill-pipe going into or out of the hole. The two readings would be compared, and small deviations would signal a warning on the HMI and a certain audible alarm, and a larger deviation would alarm (different from warning alarm) and following confirmation of drill-string pressure integrity, would automatically shut the well in. The system would cater for tripping in, tripping out, pulling wet, pulling dry, and with or without a float in the string.
Plans are being considered to include information from other sensors to provide enhanced accuracy
The Automated Well Control technology, developed by Safe Influx, represents a step towards drilling automation. The sensitivity of our technology enables fast identification, decision-making and reaction to well control events, dramatically reducing the influx size and preventing major accident hazards. Contact us at info@www.safeinflux.com if you wish further information.